Thousands showed up at Civic Center Plaza in San Francisco to pay tribute to Grateful Dead cofounder Bob Weir on Jan. 17, 2026. Matt Pang/STAFF.
Thousands showed up at Civic Center Plaza in San Francisco to pay tribute to Grateful Dead cofounder Bob Weir on Jan. 17, 2026. Matt Pang/STAFF.
SAN FRANCISCO — An estimated 25,000 Grateful Dead and music fans came out to Civic Center Plaza on Saturday to pay tribute to the band’s cofounder Bob Weir.
Weir died on Jan. 10 at 78 from complications of cancer.
The homecoming was a welcome sight for any Deadhead. The sun shined on the plaza, which was adorned with green ivy and dark red roses, and street light poles displaying colorful banners. Attendees filled an altar filled with photos, candles and teddy bears. At City Hall hung a flag with the band’s iconic Steal Your Face logo. Attendees were joined by a star-studded field of musicians and athletes—in person and on video.
“He’s done so much for our city; it’s a chance to give back to him and his family,” San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie said as he addressed the plaza.
Other speakers included Rep. Nancy Pelosi, fellow singer-songwriter Joan Baez, Grateful Dead drummer Mickey Hart, musician John Mayer and Weir’s family. In video montages, there were Bay Area and music representatives like the 49ers’ George Kittle and Nick Bosa, pianist Bruce Hornsby, Grateful Dead archivist David Lemieux, Primus’ Les Claypool and Larry LaLonde, and artists Wynona Judd, Jack Johnson, Sammy Hagar, Dave Matthews, Trey Anastasio, Ramblin’ Jack, Warren Haynes, Willie Nelson and the Dead’s Billy Kreutzmann.
Joan Baez speaks during a celebration of life for late Grateful Dead cofounder Bob Weir at Civic Center Plaza in San Francisco on Jan. 17, 2026.
“He was part of a group that created a beloved community for people who needed it at that point,” Baez said. “It was really loving and caring, family, sharing and really astounding.”
Bill Graham Civic Center provided an appropriate backdrop to the event’s stage. Graham was the promoter for the Grateful Dead and the band performed there numerous times in the 1980s. Weir’s last show with his band RatDog took place there in 2008.
The memorial began with a three-block procession down Market Street, which was parked with even more attendees, en route to the plaza. There, volunteers handed out long-stemmed roses—significant to the iconography of the band—to early arrivers. Attendees then had an opportunity to write messages to Weir and his family at stations. One common theme was “never fade away,” which appeared in Weir’s lyricism as a theme of lasting love and commitment.
Next, four Buddhist monks led a Tibetan prayer chant.
Pelosi spoke about Weir receiving Kennedy Center Honors alongside Kreutzmann and Hart in 2024 from former President Joe Biden. Mayer, a member of Dead & Company—with whom Weir played his final shows last summer during a three-night stand at Golden Gate Park that celebrated the Grateful’s Dead’s 60-year-history—credited the guitarist for welcoming him into a musical community.
“Thank you maestro. You changed my life. I will love you forever,” Mayer said.
John Mayer performs at a celebration of life for late Grateful Dead cofounder Bob Weir at Civic Center Plaza in San Francisco on Jan. 17, 2026.
Hart reminisced about his last shows with Weir.
“I looked to the right at my old friend. And for a moment, I saw him transform. Gone was the bushy gray beard, the whiskers, the wisdom and the age,” Hart said. “Instead, like the grains of time turning on themselves. I saw a young Bob again. There he was.”
Fans came from near and far.
“I really should be there,” 64-year-old Calaveras Country resident Tim Boyles said. “Bob’s been in my life for 46 years.” Boyles added that he attended his first Dead show in 1980, at the Warfield. Beforehand, he recalled, he offered his unfinished drink to a friendly stranger outside, who turned out to be Bill Kreutzmann—a fact Boyles didn’t realize until later seeing him onstage.
The guests of honor were Weir’s wife, Natascha, and daughters, Monet and Chloe, who spoke about their dad introvert personality, his strong work ethic, and his penchant for woodshedding.
Natascha Weir led attendees in a moment of silence, her husband’s signature deep bow and a cathartic scream.
Natascha Weir, Shala Monet Weir and Chloe Weir—Bob Weir’s wife and daughters, speak at a celebration of life for the late Grateful Dead cofounder at Civic Center Plaza in San Francisco on Jan. 17, 2026.
It was simple but but felt touching. She then looked up and said she saw a hawk flying ahead.
“Hey, darling!” she yelled.
The celebration of Weir’s life ended with a performance of popular Grateful Dead folk ballad “Ripple,” which Mayer led while playing an acoustic guitar. “Let there be song to fill the air,” he sang, joined by many in attendance.
Later on Saturday, Grahame Lesh, the son of late Grateful Dead bassist Phil Lesh, led a tribute concert for Weir at the Warfield.
Thousands showed up at Civic Center Plaza in San Francisco to pay tribute to Grateful Dead cofounder Bob Weir on Jan. 17, 2026.
Thousands showed up at Civic Center Plaza in San Francisco to pay tribute to Grateful Dead cofounder Bob Weir on Jan. 17, 2026.
Singer-guitarist John Mayer speaks at the celebration of life ceremony for Grateful Dead cofounder Bob Weir at Civic Center Plaza in San Francisco on Jan. 17, 2026.
Thousands showed up at Civic Center Plaza in San Francisco to pay tribute to Grateful Dead cofounder Bob Weir on Jan. 17, 2026.
Thousands showed up at Civic Center Plaza in San Francisco to pay tribute to Grateful Dead cofounder Bob Weir on Jan. 17, 2026.
A volunteer hands out roses at the a celebration of life for Grateful Dead cofounder Bob Weir at Civic Center Plaza in San Francisco on Jan. 17, 2026.
A public memorial for late Grateful Dead cofounder Bob Weir at Civic Center Plaza in San Francisco on Jan. 17, 2026.
John Mayer leads a performance at a celebration of life for late Grateful Dead cofounder Bob Weir at Civic Center Plaza in San Francisco on Jan. 17, 2026. Also on stage are Joan Baez, Nancy Pelosi, Weir’s family and other presenters.
Natascha Weir, Shala Monet Weir and Chloe Weir—Bob Weir’s wife and daughters, speak at a celebration of life for the late Grateful Dead cofounder at Civic Center Plaza in San Francisco on Jan. 17, 2026.
Mickey Hart speaks during a celebration of life for late Grateful Dead cofounder Bob Weir at Civic Center Plaza in San Francisco on Jan. 17, 2026.
Trey Anastasio speaks in a pre-recorded message during a celebration of life for late Grateful Dead cofounder Bob Weir at Civic Center Plaza in San Francisco on Jan. 17, 2026.
Rep. Nancy Pelosi speaks during a celebration of life for late Grateful Dead cofounder Bob Weir at Civic Center Plaza in San Francisco on Jan. 17, 2026.
San Francisco 49ers’ George Kittle speaks in a prerecorded message during a celebration of life for late Grateful Dead cofounder Bob Weir at Civic Center Plaza in San Francisco on Jan. 17, 2026.
San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie speaks during a celebration of life for late Grateful Dead cofounder Bob Weir at Civic Center Plaza in San Francisco on Jan. 17, 2026.
Monks lead a prayer chant during a celebration of life for late Grateful Dead cofounder Bob Weir at Civic Center Plaza in San Francisco on Jan. 17, 2026.
Thousands showed up at Civic Center Plaza in San Francisco to pay tribute to Grateful Dead cofounder Bob Weir on Jan. 17, 2026.
About The Author
Glenn Gumin spends his days on a college campus as a higher education administrator involved in academic affairs and student & financial services. After many years of piano lessons, he’s now attempting to learn to play the guitar and ukulele to prepare for island life in retirement. He’s a live music enthusiast who loves to reminisce about shows he attended as a Bay Area teenager and a Midwest college student. He’s also a big supporter of college radio.
Glenn Gumin spends his days on a college campus as a higher education administrator involved in academic affairs and student & financial services. After many years of piano lessons, he’s now attempting to learn to play the guitar and ukulele to prepare for island life in retirement. He’s a live music enthusiast who loves to reminisce about shows he attended as a Bay Area teenager and a Midwest college student. He’s also a big supporter of college radio.
Matt Pang continues to surround himself in photography after his love of music introduced him to it. His fondest memories include watching replays of VH1 music video countdowns. He lives in San Jose and enjoys watching the Giants in his free time.